This vehicle ID guide / buyers guide has been developed for those interested in the final series Leyland Mini Moke Californian. In particular, this guide focuses on the top model with the 1275cc engine and disc brakes produced from 1978 – 1982. Separate guides will shortly be developed for earlier 1275 Californian Mokes, as well as the 998cc Californian Mokes.
The 1275 Californian Moke of 1978 – 1982 represents one of the most desirable cars in the Australian Moke range, available with the highest equipment and engine specifications, making the cars increasingly collectable today, often demanding prices not too far short of the Cooper S. Given that this version of the Moke shares many components with standard Moke cars, more replicas exist today than were ever actually produced, making it extremely important that you know what you are getting if you are shopping for one of these cars, or trying to work out what Moke you have.
This Guide attemps to provide a good basis for identification of a genuine 1275 Moke Californian, outlining external and interiorl featutures to look for, along with the important engine and chassis number designations applicable to these specific cars.
Production Numbers: Total Moke production = 26,000 (approx.) Unknown numbers of 1275 Californians specifically. If you have any information on the numbers, please email us (see button at top right), or comment below!
Period of Manufacture: 1978 - 1982
Please note, this is only a broad guide and should not be relied upon. If you are looking at purchasing a rare car, we advise you to do your own research and consult with professionals.
The Leyland Mini Moke Californian 1275 came with the following external features, which make a good starting point for the identification of an original vehicle:
The Leyland Mini Moke Californian came with the following interior features. Note, many of these features can easily be replicated, and were available on other Moke models, and may not necessarily be unique to the Californian 1275 unless specifically noted.
- Formula GT wheel (Same of similar to the 998LS or 1275LS, having apparently been supplied to Leyland by Mini Kingdom from 1978 – 1982 (see labeled images).
- Smaller 3 spoke (9 hole) wheel with Leyland badge in the centre (came in either flat form or deep dish form).
- Smaller 3 spoke (3 hole) wheel with Leyland badge in centre (came in either flat form or deep dish form).
According to our research, the following colours were available on the Moke Californian between 1978 and 1982. We also note that some cars may have been produced with one off colours not on this list. To confirm the original colour of the car, the only way (oter than scraping back current paint paint) is to look at the original paint sticker which will contain the colour name and code (see images). Interestingly, many mokes had the paint code hand written onto the standard Dulux sticker - perhaps due to certain print runs for particular colours having dried up in supply with mini maufacturing ending. These colours, like all late Australian minis, used a Dulux/Dulon colour code.
Yellow Devil (Code: 566-17422)
Signal Red (Code: 566-30671)
Squadron Blue (Code: 566-30464)
Jade Green (Code: 566-30175)
Blue white (Code: 566-31490)
Crystal White (Code: 566-11572)
Hi Ho Silver (Code: 562-17553)
Silver Blue (Code TBC)
Highway Yellow (Code TBC)
Cobalt Blue (Code: TBC)
Pacific Blue (Code: TBC)
As you can see, we are missing a few codes for the above colours. If anyone can provide these so we can update this section, that would be very helpful.
The Leyland Mini Moke Californian 1275cc came with either of the following two chassis prefixes, depending on the year:
Complied 1978: AKFPD18Y
Complied 1979 or later: AKFPD19Y
The above prefix is followed by a 6 digit number individual to that car.
The prefix is explained as follows:
AK = Moke
F = Californian
P = Buckboard
D = 1275
1 = 4-speed manual, right-hand-steering
8 or 9 = Model commencing year
Y = Australian.
Location of Chassis Number:
The chassis prefix can be found in two places, which must of course match. Firstly, the number should appear on the cars VIN plate / chassis plate, being the aluminium tag pop riveted to the firewall (see images for a better location description). Secondly, like most Mini's in Australia, the matching prefix and number should be stamped into the top of the radiator shroud panel.
The engine number on a Leyland Mini Moke Californian 1275 should begin with the prefix 12H.
Several extended prefixes have been confirmed for the Moke in our research, including: 12H902, 12H706 and 12H905. If you find an engine in a Californian with this sort of number, chances are it is original. The 12H prefix is a MK3 1275cc engine imported from europe, used also on the 1978 1275LS. These blocks are held in high regard with respect to durability due to additional bracing in the block casting, despite having less power than earlier Cooper S spec blocks.
Engine Number Location:
The engine number, like on all Minis, is located underneath the number 1 spark plug, just above the alternator. You will see a flat edge of the block sticking out where the head meets the block, with a number stamped. See images for a better description of the location and stemping typeface.
1978 - 1982 1275 Californian Mokes had the following mechanical features. Again, many of these features can be easily replicated / fitted to any car, and therefore only provides an indication in terms of identifying an original car.
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